Brain Tumor Surgery Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for brain tumor surgery: what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
What to expect
Seizure Precautions
- •Take anti-seizure medication exactly as prescribed
- •Do not drive until cleared by your neurosurgeon
- •Avoid alcohol, which lowers seizure threshold
- •Know seizure first aid: protect head, time the seizure, call 911 if >5 min
Brain Tumor Surgery recovery, day by day
Critical Monitoring
- You will be monitored in the ICU or neuro step-down unit
- Nurses will perform frequent neurological checks, pupils, grip strength, orientation
- Report any new headache, vision changes, weakness, or numbness IMMEDIATELY
- Take anti-seizure medication if prescribed, do NOT skip doses
Pain & Medication
- Pain medication will be managed by your care team
- Head of bed elevated at 30 degrees to reduce brain swelling
- Stool softeners to prevent straining, critical for brain and spine surgery
- Deep breathing exercises to prevent pneumonia
Activity & Movement
- Walk with assistance as soon as cleared
- No driving for at least 2-4 weeks, varies by procedure
- No heavy lifting or straining
- Avoid bending over, increases intracranial pressure
Incision Care
- Keep incision clean and dry
- Do not get head incision wet until staples/sutures are removed
- Do NOT apply lotions, ointments, or creams to the incision unless directed
- Watch for signs of CSF leak: clear, watery drainage from incision or nose
Ongoing Recovery
- Gradually increase activity as cleared by your neurosurgeon
- Cognitive changes, memory, concentration may take weeks to months to fully resolve
- Attend all follow-up appointments and imaging
- Full recovery timeline varies significantly by procedure
When to call your provider or 911
- •Call 911 now for trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, or swelling of the face or throat
- •Call your clinic promptly for fever or chills, bleeding that does not stop with firm pressure, or pain not controlled by your clinician-approved plan
- •Call your clinic for hives or another possible allergic reaction that is not affecting breathing or causing facial or throat swelling
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Redness, warmth, or pus at the incision site, signs of infection
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Sudden increase in swelling or pain after initial improvement
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Numbness or tingling that worsens
- •Call your care team today if you notice: New or worsening headache, especially with vomiting
- •Call 911 now if you notice: Confusion, drowsiness, or personality changes
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Seizures
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Clear, watery fluid leaking from nose or incision, CSF leak
- •Call your care team today if you notice: New vision changes or double vision
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Severe neck stiffness with fever
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 3
Recovery Progress Check
Notice what is improving, unchanged, or worsening. Contact the care team if symptoms are getting worse or the next step is unclear.
- Day 14
Recovery Progress Check
Notice what is improving, unchanged, or worsening. Contact the care team if symptoms are getting worse or the next step is unclear.
- Day 18
Recovery Progress Check
Notice what is improving, unchanged, or worsening. Contact the care team if symptoms are getting worse or the next step is unclear.
- Day 60
Ongoing Recovery Review
Review any remaining symptoms or restrictions with the care team before changing your routine.
For clinics
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